LEARNING A FOREIGN LANGUAGE. SENSE OR NOT?

Hi my lovelies!

So I decided to ask you all, what did you spend your quarantine, self isolation, lock-down on? I know some people spent an ample amount of time on ALL the social media, while some were actively involved in online gossip. I am SMH @ you!

The reason for this post is to remind you that your internet data can be used for much more. Yes! Instead of sitting and surfing the interet with no intent purpose that you can now enjoy yourself with no disturbance, a little more knowledge is worth it, and today, that knowledge I introduce you to is A New Language.

In our globalized world of today where mobility is facilitated, learning a language is a wonderful benefit. Not only does it help when travelling, it is also a great advantage for studying in general and for career prospects abroad. Acquiring a second language enables us to develop various mental abilities at all ages.

1. Boosts Brain Power: Learning a new language means your brain has to cope with complexity as it makes sense of and absorbs new patterns. As our brains work out the meaning, endeavoring to communicate, we develop key learning skills such as cognitive thinking and problem-solving. 

2. Improves Memory: Use it or lose it. How many times have you heard that phrase? It is a simple fact- the more the brain is used, the better its functions work. A new language requires not only familiarity with vocabulary and rules, but also being able to recall and apply this knowledge. Learning a language gives your memory a good work out in the brain gym. This means that multilingual people have brains that are more exercised and quick to recall names, directions, facts, and figures.

3. Enhances The Ability To Multi-Task: multi-tasking is very stressful for those who are not used to it or don’t do it well. According to a study from the Pennysylvania State University, people who are multilingual and proficient at slipping from one language system to another are practiced at this very demanding work for the brain. People who have developed the ability to think in different languages and move from one to the other become much better multi-taskers, reducing stress levels.

4. Sharpens The Mind: A study from Spain’s University Of Pompeu Fabra revealed that multilingual people are better at observing their surroundings. They easily spot anything that is irrelevant or deceptive. They are also better at spotting misleading information. The study was conducted comparing multilingual and monolingual subjects and the former notably had the edge. 

5. Enhances Decision-Making: According to a study from the University Of Chicago, decision-making ability becomes an easier process for multilingual people. Aside from the rules and vocabulary that go with learning a foreign language, there are nuances and regional expressions that a student of language frequently judges for appropriateness and hidden meanings. Multilinguals are more confident in their decision making choices as a result of practice, practice, practice!

6. Increases Networking Skills: Opening up to a culture allows you to be more flexible and appreciative of other people’s opinions and actions. As a result, if you are multilingual, you have the advantage of seeing the world from different viewpoints, enhancing your ability to communicate in today’s globally connected world.

7. Provides Better Career choices: Multilingual employees add value to the workforce. A multilingual ability is definitely a competitive edge in today’s world. Language learning helps develop strong cognitive skills, such as a better concept formation, mental flexibility and problem-solving, in addition to improving social connection between peers.

There are various apps that are useful in learning a new language. Some of them are:

1. Rosetta Stone. 
2. Duolingo. 
3. Memrise.
4. Busuu. ...
5. HelloTalk.
6. Babbel. ...
7. Beelinguapp.
8. Clozemaster, and lots more...

Tell me in the comment section, what language will you like to learn?

Image Credit: Google Photos